Broward Woman Charged With Running Investment Scam

PLANTATION (CBS4) - A Broward County woman is in trouble with the law after investigators say she defrauded investors in a scheme targeting the South Florida Haitian community.

Plantation resident Margarette Dubois-Jean, 58, was arrested today and charged with organized fraud and grand theft, both first degree felonies.

Prosecutors allege Dubois-Jean represented herself to clients as a veteran investment broker with the company One Creative Idea, LLC. She allegedly encouraged the victims to attend seminars, and then invest in a program where she would guarantee a 100% return on investment within a few months.

The State Attorney's Office says Dubois-Jean bilked those investors out of more than $140,000 over the course of a year.

They say she used the fraudulent funds to pay for personal items like rent and travel.

Dubois-Jean will be tried in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. She could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.